9.6. Diagnosis and Physical Examination in Physiotherapy: Vertebral Spine Examination

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Diagnosis and physical examination are crucial parts of the physical therapy process. Specifically, spinal examination is an essential element in the evaluation of patients complaining of back pain or posture-related problems. This chapter of our e-book course will focus on diagnosis and physical examination in physical therapy, with an emphasis on examination of the spine.

Physiotherapy Diagnosis

Before any intervention, it is important that the physiotherapist makes an accurate diagnosis. This involves obtaining a detailed medical history from the patient, which includes information about the onset of symptoms, the nature of the pain or discomfort, any triggers or relieving factors, the presence of any associated symptoms, and the impact of the symptoms on the patient's daily life. patient.

In addition, the physical therapist should perform a comprehensive physical examination, which may include assessment of posture, range of motion, muscle strength, sensitivity, and neurological function. This physical examination allows the physical therapist to identify any physical abnormalities that may be contributing to the patient's symptoms.

Vertebral Spine Examination

Examination of the spine is an integral part of the physical examination in physical therapy. The spine is a complex structure that plays a crucial role in maintaining posture and carrying out movements. Any abnormality in the spine can lead to a range of problems, including pain, limited movement and neurological dysfunction.

Examination of the spine begins with a visual inspection. The physiotherapist will look for any visible abnormalities such as misalignment, abnormal curvatures, swelling or redness. The physiotherapist will then perform a manual assessment of the spine, palpating each vertebra to identify any areas of tenderness, swelling or irregularities.

Assessment of spinal mobility is also an important part of the examination. This involves assessing range of motion in all directions – flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending. Any restriction or pain during these movements may indicate a spinal problem.

The physical therapist may also perform special tests to assess neurological function, such as the Lasègue test for sciatica or the Babinski test for spinal cord dysfunction. These tests can help identify the presence of any damage or compression to the spinal nerves.

Finally, the physical therapist may order imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans, to obtain a more detailed view of the structure of the spine. These tests can help identify any structural abnormalities, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or fractures.

Conclusion

Diagnosis and physical examination are fundamental steps in the physiotherapy process. Examination of the spine, in particular, is a valuable tool for identifying abnormalities that may be contributing to a patient's pain or dysfunction. By understanding and correctly applying these assessment techniques, physical therapists can develop an effective and personalized treatment plan for each patient.

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169.7. Diagnosis and Physical Examination in Physiotherapy: Examination of the Upper and Lower Extremities